Columbia County Public Works is seeking an Assistant County Engineer. This position is responsible for the day to day operations of the Engineering Services Division within the Public Works Department and assumes the responsibilities of the County Engineer during times of absence. The position also supervises the work of the Engineering Services staff, including recommended selection of staff, develops performance standards, monitors progress and evaluates employee performance, and addresses disciplinary issues.

Responsibilities

Ensures projects meet all federal, state and local design and construction standards and guidelines. Reviews, prepares, and acquires all regulatory permits and approvals required for any project; meets and confers with permitting officials in the field or office as needed. Applies for grants and other outside funding sources. Coordinates County projects with outside agencies such as towns, cities, state and federal agencies, railroads, utilities, etc. Responsible for contract management of professional outside consulting services for the design and construction of various County projects. Represents the County on assigned committees and Boards. Performs computer aided drafting and design, construction inspection, and surveying. Assists in the development of short and long term transportation development plans including project time lines. Prepares contracts for submittal and bidding. Provides technical assistance for monitoring for specification compliance, evaluation of proposed changes, and project close out. Assists in the development and updates to the annual 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of current methods and techniques of civil engineering as applied to the design, construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and related facilities; Maintain comprehensive knowledge of land and engineering survey systems, methods and techniques including the ability to read and write legal descriptions. Establish and maintain effective working relations with the public and deal with public relations challenges courteously and tactfully. Communicate with people to convey or exchange professional information.

Knowledge/Experience Required

A current Washington State driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the County’s risk manager. A demonstrated ability to produce reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar using all parts of speech.

Must possess, or be able to secure within 6 months, registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in Washington State.

Completion of two (4) years of college or a technical school program in Civil Engineering or a related field and at least four (3) years progressively responsible experience in civil engineering including surveying work. Applicants with experience using AutoCAD and Civil 3D (or equivalent) are preferred.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted.

Apply

To obtain an application packet visit www.columbiaco.com or the Columbia County Public Works Department, P.O. Box 5, 415 Guernsey Ave., Dayton, WA 99328 or call (509) 382-2534. Apply by

Nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains, Columbia County is located in southeastern Washington. Dayton is the county seat and largest city in the county. Located just 30 miles northeast of Walla Walla and 60 miles east of the Tri Cities, Dayton is home to three national historic districts, including the oldest train depot and oldest working courthouse in the State of Washington and over 120 buildings on the National Historic Register.
Dayton enjoys a cost of living well below other areas of the state (40% to 60% below the Seattle and Portland/Vancouver metro areas and 10% to 20% below Spokane, Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities according to Sperling’s Best Places).
The City’s Main Street underwent a major revitalization in the early 1990’s and is now home to essential business services, unique shops, Victorian lodging, restaurants and breweries. Columbia County is bordered by the Oregon state line to the south and the Snake River to the north and enjoys nearby world class wineries, recreational trails, and local rivers allow for residents of all ages to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities including picnicking, recreational sports, cycling, fishing, hunting, gol...f, and winter sports in the Blue Mountains. Just 30 minutes to the south, Ski Bluewood is an important source of tourism and seasonal employment for residents across the region, offering 400 skiable acres, clear skies and more than 300 inches of snow annually.
Columbia County covers an area of just under 870 square miles and is the perfect place to experience all four seasons with its warm sunny summers, crisp yet moderate winters and spectacular springs and falls that fill the area with color. The area has picturesque landscapes with rolling hills, bountiful crops, and pristine rivers, along with private and national forest lands.
Columbia County has long been known as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, producing crops including winter and spring wheat, barley, dry beans and green peas. Building on its original foundation of agriculture, Columbia County has encouraged economic diversification in order to remain vital and healthy while retaining its rural charm.
The County operates with 100 full-time equivalent employees spread over more than 13 departments, and has a 2018 operating budget of $18 million. The Columbia County Department of Public Works consists of a diverse staff of 29 crew members in operations, engineering, GIS, and administration. The Department’s overall 2019 budget is approximately $8.3 million. The Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, engineering, design, construction, operation and maintenance of approximately 540 miles of county roadways, and 63 bridges. Currently the department has 9 major projects being planned or underway during the next six years.